Moving to a New Home with Children

Moving with children to a new homes is a stressful time for parents and children alike. It is typical for a child to feel powerless after you tell him or her that you are moving, since they likely have had little input in the matter.

To show them that their opinions are important, which will help give them ownership in the move, you might consider:

• Making a (realistic) family wish list. Think about what would be nice to have in the new house/neighborhood so that your children can feel part of the new house decision.
• If possible, take your child house-hunting with you either by bookmarking the houses online, or taking him or her with you if you are in the area.
• Let your children create their new rooms. Visit our Pinterest for kid’s bedroom designs.
• Let them go with you to Home Depot or Ace Hardware and pick a few paint swatches or gather wallpaper pattern ideas so they can see a new house in a positive and independent way

There are also things that can be done before you leave, so your child does not feel that you do not respect his or her current way of life.

• Throw a simple goodbye party to bring closure to your child’s friendships;
• make a scrapbook of photos and create a booklet with all your child’s friend’s email addresses (or that of their parents) so they can try to stay in contact.
• Allow your kids to visit all their favorite places if they will be unable to easily do so in the future.
• Make sure you stay emotionally close to your children during this time, as they will likely have a lot of confusing feelings and will be nervous or scared of the move, their new room, making friends at school, etc.
• Make sure they know that you support them every step of the way, and be open to play dates with new friends. 

related article: Life Skills Education!, Back to School Tips, Traveling with Children